The seminar shall focus on the state of democracy within the current institutional framework of the EU, as well as the status of democracy before and after ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. Other issues such as the democratic legitimacy of the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty will also be touched upon, including the former and upcoming referendum in Ireland. There shall also be the introduction and discussion of the booklet “The Lisbon Treaty and the EU: Making a Weak Democracy Weaker” (“EU a Lisabonská smlouva: Ještě méně demokracie v EU”)written by specialists on democracy from the organisation Mehr Demokratie e.V.

Program

09.00 - 09.30

Welcome coffee

09.30 - 09.45

Introductory Speech and WelcomeLuděk Sefzig Chairman of the Senate Committee for EU Affairs